Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2007-08: Sbisa scored six goals and 27 assists in 62 games during his rookie season, posting a plus-19 ranking and collecting 63 penalty minutes. He was a significant contributor to the Lethbridge Hurricanes playoff run, with 15 points in 19 games. Sbisa made huge strides in his physical play during the second half of the campaign, which carried through the playoffs.

Drafted 1st round (19th overall), 2008 by Philadelphia.

2008-09: Sbisa made the Flyers out of training camp and played 39 games with them posting 7 assists and a -6 rating. He was eventually returned to Lethbridge where he finished out the season with 4 goals and 11 assists in 18 games.

2009-10: Was traded in the off-season to the Anaheim Ducks as part of a package that saw Chris Pronger go to Philadelphia. Started the season in Lethbridge where be posted 1 goal and 12 assists before being traded to Portland where he finished with season totals of 4 goals and 14 assists in 18 games. He also played for Switzerland in both the WJC and the Olympics, in both instances, being held scoreless. Finished the season playing 8 games for the ducks where he post 0 points and a minus-1.

Talent Analysis

No matter the level, Sbisa has shown that he has all the tools to one day be a top-notch NHL defenseman. His strength lies in his effortless puck-moving style and elite skating ability.

Photo: Agitating forward Zac Rinaldo is the only member of Flyer's 2008 draft class to currently play on their NHL roster. (courtesy of Jeanine Leech/Icon SMI)

The 2008 Draft Class for the Philadelphia Flyers is an odd look at a success that could have been. It is not as if the organization should chalk the entire year as a front office failure, but it does boast a few cautionary tales of how doing everything seemingly correctly can still bring about disastrous consequences. A team can prepare for the worst but bad luck can find anyone at any time.